On May 2, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Republican-sponsored bill known as the Working Families Flexibility Act. The legislation seeks to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to permit employers to offer paid time off to workers instead of paying overtime. Under the bill, qualifying employees could opt to receive 1.5 hours […]
Posts by Author: Amanda Shelton
Michigan Treasury Retracts Tax Demand Letter Sent to Same-Sex Married Couples
Saying it was an error and offering an apology, the Michigan Department of Treasury has rescinded an earlier letter sent to some same-sex married couples that indicated they owed additional taxes. The letter, sent in late April to 130 married same-sex couples, asked why the income declared on their 2013 state tax returns was different […]
Seventh Circuit Affirms Title VII Protections for LGBT Workers
On April 4, the Seventh Circuit became the first federal court in the United States to extend protections under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to cover employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. The ruling in Kimberly Hively v. Ivy Tech Community College marks a significant milestone for all LGBT workers. It also means employers […]
Lessons for Employers from Uber’s Nightmare Start to 2017
To say that it has been a rough start to 2017 for the ride-sharing company Uber would be putting it mildly. A pioneer of the ride sharing economy, estimated by some to be worth $66 billion, Uber has encountered one headline-grabbing problem after another since January 1st. There is, for example, the trade secret lawsuit […]
Employers That Ask Older Workers to Retire to Spare Layoffs Risk Constructive Discharge Litigation
It might seem like a straightforward business decision for a company facing the prospect of layoffs. Based on seniority, younger workers, some with families to support, will be the first ones let go. Looking at the numbers, however, it seems that those jobs could be spared if older workers in their late 50s or early […]